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I have a beautiful German Shepherd, he is 8 months old and recently started to walk with a limp in his back legs. The vets informed me that he had Hip Dysplasia, and that he might have to have an operation when he is two. He has excellent pedigree papers, how did he get this the breeder said the parents were healthy?
Answer: Hip Dysplasia (HD) is a condition causing great concern to professional breeders. Most large breeds are affected and it is seen mostly in the larger breeds. HD is hereditary and the blame must be placed on the breeders lap. I do not think a week goes by without one of my clients finding they have purchased a pet with HD. While most pet dogs can lead a fairly normal life with HD the breeder is the key to prevention.
A good breeder will ensure that the breeding pair have full blood tests and X Rays which must be scrutinized by experts who will classify the animal as fit, or not fit. No one should ever breed a dog with HD however justified they may feel. I term people that produce puppies and sell them with HD criminal.
Dogs which have HD, must have quite lives, must never be overweight, and if children are about, do watch they do not pull the dogs legs. Expect your pet to have arthritic problems as it grows older.
In Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany all registered breeders have to take their pets for full examinations before breeding. All dogs are fitted with microchips for identification. All Kennel Club papers and puppies are then guaranteed by the Government and at the time of this book going to press the official statistics are not available, but I am assured by reliable sources that they have reduced HD by more than seventy per cent.
by David the Dogman
David Klein FDTCB. F.inst D. Canine Behaviourist
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Copyright © 1997 by David Klein. Do you have any problems with your pet? Then why not send your problem to DAVID THE DOGMAN. David is a Canine Behaviourist who works and lives in Marbella, Spain. Tel/Fax (00345) 2883388. His web site is located at: http://www.k9netuk.com/dogman/. David has his own radio and TV shows, and writes for many newspapers and magazines. David has been working with dogs for many years and started his career in Israel, working on the Border Police. He has been involved in all forms of training, including air sea rescue, air scent work, and has trained dogs for finding drugs. David has devoted the past 10 years to studying behaviour and the very passive approach. He does not use choke chains, check chains, or any form of aggression.
David The Dogman is available for private consultations in your home, for further details telephone; Tel; (95) 2883388
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Tuesday, 16 March 2010
